FAQ
Q. Has subsurface water retention ever had a negative result ?
A. No; never
Q. Is there any maintenance ?
A. no
Q. What is the payback period ?
A. It depends on the variables of crop value and increased yield as well as side benefits of water and fertilizer savings. see Resources section.
Q. Will this technology jeopardize my crop insurance claims ?
A. Probably. Common sense dictates substantially increased yield would disqualify.
Q. How much does it cost per acre?
A. Depends on number of acres, amount of membrane needed ( orchards require half the membrane as row crops which require a fully underlay. ) , proximity to Lubbock. We bring the membrane and the device. You bring the tractor and the labor. Contact us with specifics for custom quote.
Q. How long will it last?
A. Barring a major catastrophe, several hundred years ( the half life of polyethylene is estimated to be about 450 years ) . It should last as long as geotextile landfill liners, cable and gas pipe.
Q. What polymer is the membrane made of?
A. Premium ( PFAS and BPA free ) multilayer polyethylene copolymer optimized for tear and impact resistance in a hostile environment. There is a huge variation in the polyethylene species. Ordinary trash bag or bread bag resin will rip and have holes.
Q. Is drip tape a component of membrane underlay ?
A. No. A membrane makes the difference between the (subsurface drip water percolating down to the water table or nourishing the plant.
Q. When the membrane degrades, will it contribute toxins to the ambient and water table ?
A. No. Polyethylene is simple inert hydrocarbons derived from natural gas. There are no toxins to leach. It has been a common practice to bury plastic for landfill liners, drainage tile, gas pipe and cable jackets.
Q. Will plant roots penetrate the membrane ?
A. No. They spread out on the membrane. Over time, the old roots will enrich biomass and nutrients.